'That is the life of a sportsman'

An overworked India and a Pakistan, who coach Geoff Lawson says are "desperate for action", take part in an ODI tri-series in Bangladesh from tomorrow to prepare for sterner tests ahead.

The four-match series under lights at the Mirpur stadium on the outskirts of Dhaka will serve as a warm-up for the Asia Cup later this month and the Champions Trophy in September.

Both 50-overs-a-side tournaments will be held in Pakistan, marking the return of serious cricket for them after Australia cancelled a scheduled Test tour in March due to security concerns.

Pakistan have played just two one-day series at home this year, blanking minnows Zimbabwe and Bangladesh by identical 5-0 margins, and can't wait to flex their muscles again.

"We look forward to the series in Bangladesh because it will help us get into the groove for the Asia Cup at home," said Lawson. "The boys are desperate to play good cricket again."

India, in contrast, have been on the road for the past 13 months and begin the tri-series less than a fortnight after a gruelling 45-day Indian Premier League.

There will be no respite for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men until next March, with Test tours to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, home series against Australia and England and the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy to play.

"There has been a lot of cricket for us but that is the life of a modern sportsman," said Dhoni. "Motivation is never a problem when playing for India. The key is to stay fit and pace ourselves."

India will be without one-day cricket's most successful batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who opted out to recover from a groin injury in time for the Test and one-day tour of Sri Lanka from mid-July.